Why E-cycle? Landfilling Computers is Illegal

In most states, including Vermont, laws prevent us from depositing environmentally harmful computers and electronics into our landfills. Historically, less than 10% of obsolete computers are E-cycled. Most sit in a store room or closet taking up valuable office space. However, obsolete computer equipment is the fastest growing component in our landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's estimates, electronic products constitute 1% of municipal waste, with more than 63 million computers retired in the U.S. annually. E-waste is growing 3x faster than other waste, and many discarded E-waste items contain toxic materials. The average desktop computer contains heavy metals and plastics that may include mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and lithium - all potentially hazardous to our health.